Carnegie Challenge Cup Review

Round 5 of the Carnegie Challenge Cup got underway on Friday night as both Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos easily overcame lower league opposition.

At Odsal Bradford disposed of Championship club Leigh Centurions 58-16. Three tries in 13 minutes from Chris Nero, Paul Sykes and Steve Menzies set the Bulls on their way, Brett Kearney also crossing to carve out a 24-6 lead at the break.

In the second half Nero completed his hat-trick. Menzies added another, while Wayne Godwin, Michael Worrincy and Glenn Hall completed the Bulls' try-scoring.

Martin Ridyard, Stuart Donlan and David Armitstead were Leigh's try scorers.

Leeds eased into the Quarter finals 72-22 over League one league leaders Blackpool Panthers at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.

Blackpool, who came into this game on an 11 match unbeaten record were still in the game at the interval as they only trailed 24-16, after tires from Martin Ainscough, John Clough and Damian Munro.

However, the Rhinos showed their class as they out powered their opponents. Brent Webb scored five tries and Michael Coady grabbed an 11-minute hat-trick in the second half.

On Saturday in a re-run of last year's final holders Warrington Wolvers demolished Huddersfield Giants 60-4 at Galpharm Stadium.

Warrington took control and built up a commanding 26-0 lead at the break. Ryan Atkins opened the scoring with Chris Bridge adding a brace. Richard Myler and Chris Hicks were the other try scorers in the first half.

Early into the second half Martin Aspinwall pulled one back for the Giants but then they were carved apart. Bridge went on to score five and Hicks completed his hat-trick as the Wolves routed the poor Giants.

Super League leaders Wigan Warriors ran in 12 tries as they dumped out Widnes Vikings 64-10 at Stobart Stadium.

Wigan overwhelmed their local rivals in the first half as they went into the break with a 36-0 lead. Karl Pryce scored first on six minutes with Thomas Leuluai adding another moments later. Joel Tomkins and Martin Gleeson both scored braces.

In the second half Pryce and Sam Tomkins both went on to score hat-tricks as the Warriors eased into the Quarter finals.

Widnes did manage to get on the scoreboard with two tries from Matt Gardner.

At the Stoop St Helens overcame Harlequins RL in an all Super League Clash 30-10.

Kerion Cunningham opened the scoring for Saints but the Quins responded well and with tries from Luke Gale and David Howell they went into the break with a 10-6 lead.

St Helens took control early into the second half with scores from Ade Gardner and Francis Meli. Meli added another to pull the visitors clear and Leon Pryce rounded things off with a late try. Kyle Eastmond kicked five goals.

The tightest and most thrilling game of the round was the all non-English tie between Crusaders and Catalans Dragons in Wrexham as the French visitors claimed a dramatic 35-34 win.

Catalans had the game in the bag at the interval as they led 30-12. Clinton Schifcofske had given the hosts the early lead but tries from Dane Carlaw, Thomas Bosc, Steven Bell and a Setaimata Sa double were the Dragons try scorers.

The visitors lost their way in the second half when stand-off Casey McGuire went off injured.  Sa completed his hat-trick as the Dragons moved 34-18 in front but tries from Peter Lupton, Jarrod Sammut and Nick Youngquest tied things up 34-34.

Sammut came close with a drop goal but in the last minute of the game Bosc nailed the one pointer to send Catalans through to the Quarter Finals.

Barrow over came Hunslet 42-24, but the tie between Halifax and Batley was postponed at short notice over claims Halifax fielded an ineligible player in a previous round.

The draw for the Quarter Finals took place on Sunday night and this produced two outstanding ties. Super League Champions Leeds Rhinos will entertain league leaders Wigan Warriors and holders Warrington Wolves have to go on the road again to Bradford Bulls.

Carnegie Challenge Cup Quarter-Final draw:

St Helens v Barrow Raiders
Halifax or Batley v Catalans Dragons
Bradford Bulls v Warrington Wolves
Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors
Ties to be played on the weekend of 28-29 May